Salem Car Accident Attorney

Distracted driving is an especially serious public safety hazard in our region. Indeed, distracted driving in Marion County, Oregon, is one of the most common causes of accidents. Some allow distractions, such as a cell phone or GPS device, to impair their ability to drive safely. Others drive recklessly. Some even drive after drinking. All of these are examples of negligent driving.

We Help Injured Victims Pick Up the Pieces After a Car Accident in Salem, Oregon

Even the safest and most skilled of drivers in Salem are still at risk of being involved in a major crash. There are millions of car accidents every year in the United States. The majority of those are caused by some form of negligence. We drive so often that it’s easy to forget — every time you get into a car, you’re taking your life and the lives around you into your hands. Unfortunately, people forget the importance of driving safely. Car accidents are stressful, chaotic, and overwhelming. 

You do not have to navigate the legal process alone. We help people pick up the pieces after a crash. Salem, Oregon, Car Accident Lawyer Lance D. Youd has 30 years of experience dealing with cases just like yours. He’ll quickly explain your options and put the situation into perspective for you. Lance Youd aggressively pursues compensation on behalf of victims of negligent driving. If you’re injured by an irresponsible driver, Mr. Youd will help you get the money you need to cover your suffering and financial losses.

What to Know About Auto Accident Liability in Oregon

Were you involved in a car crash in Salem? It is crucial that you know what to do to put yourself in the best position to secure the maximum available financial compensation. Auto accident claims fall under state law. Here are four things you should know about car accidents in Oregon: 

• All Injury Crashes in Salem Should Be Reported: All injury crashes must be reported to law enforcement in Oregon. If you or your loved one was hurt in a collision in Salem, it is essential that your accident is reported to state or local police. 
• Oregon is a Fault-Based Car Accident State (With No-Fault Provisions): Oregon is a fault-based car accident state. Every serious accident in Salem needs to be thoroughly investigated. The party found to be at-fault for the collision—whether a driver, truck company, or vehicle manufacturer—must be held responsible. Oregon does have no-fault provisions in place. Drivers can obtain no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that can cover their initial damages, regardless of fault. 
• A Comparative Negligence Standard of Liability: Under Oregon law (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 31.600), partial fault is not a bar to recovery. Instead, the state uses a comparative negligence standard of fault. If you are found to be at fault for zero percent of your accident, you can hold the at-fault party liable for the full extent of your damages. However, if you are deemed at fault for 25 percent of your own crash, you will bear liability for 25 percent of your own damages—meaning compensation will be reduced. 
• Two Year Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injury Claims: You must initiate a car accident injury claim before that deadline runs out. Oregon law sets up a two year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accident claims. Do not wait to get started with the claims process. Consult with a Salem, OR auto accident lawyer right away. 

Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident in Salem

In Oregon, auto accident victims have a right to seek compensation for both out-of-pocket losses and intangible damages. Insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible. Lance D. Youd is a Salem car accident lawyer devoted to helping injured victims secure the maximum financial compensation. If you’ve been injured by a drunk, distracted, or reckless driver, you absolutely deserve compensation. You should be compensated for:

• The damage to your car; 
• Your medical bills; 
• Lost wages and loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member. 

You Can Rely On Salem Auto Accident Lawyer Lance D. Youd

Attorney Lance D. Youd has helped his clients in Salem, Portland, and the Willamette Valley area get full and fair compensation for their injuries. He works hard to make the process as smooth and seamless as possible. Among other things, our Salem car accident attorney is ready to: 

• Listen to your story, answer your questions, and review your case; 
• Thoroughly investigate your crash—gathering all of the evidence; 
• Take care of paperwork and advocate for your settlement in talks with insurers; and
• Craft a customized strategy to help you maximize your settlement or verdict. 

You do not have to worry about the cost of hiring an experienced Salem auto accident lawyer. All personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis — this means that Mr. Youd is paid only when he successfully negotiates a monetary settlement or wins a judgment on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Salem, OR Car Accident Attorney Today

Lance D. Youd is an experienced, justice-driven Salem auto accident attorney. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash, we can help. Call us at (503) 399-8967 or contact us online to set up a free, fully confidential consultation. With a law office in Salem, we represent car accident victims in Marion County, Polk County, and throughout the surrounding communities in the Willamette Valley.